49ers secure DL Sam Okuayinonu with multimillion-dollar tender

[ASFN Admin]

The San Francisco 49ers are poised to bring back a defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu in 2026.

The team tendered Okuayinonu, who is a restricted free agent, with a one-year, $3.546 million contract, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. This means that the 49ers have the right of first refusal if another team tries to sign Okuayinonu at that price.

The 49ers have tendered RFA defensive end Sam Okuayinonu – one year for $3.546 million.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 11, 2026

Okuayinonu, 27, had his second consecutive three-sack season with the 49ers, but he earned 12 starts in 2025 after only starting in three the season before. Okuayinonu played one season with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 after going undrafted out Maryland. He did not play during the 2023 season.

For his career, Okuayinonu has 85 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 37 games. While he likely saw a lot of starts because of the various injuries to the 49ers' defensive front, Okuayinonu is poised to be a key depth piece for 2026.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL free agency: 49ers keep DL Sam Okuayinonu with $3.5 million tender

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